University of Tartu welcomes 4,488 new students for academic year

The University of Tartu is set to begin the 2026/2027 academic year with an opening ceremony on August 31. A total of 4,488 new students will start their studies, comprising 2,690 undergraduates, 1,607 master's students, and 190 doctoral candidates.

Vice-Rector Aune Valk noted that admission competition was tighter than the previous year, particularly for master's and doctoral programs, with applicants outnumbering available spots by three to one. The opening ceremony will feature speeches from Rector Toomas Asser, Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, and Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas.

The event will include musical performances by the ensemble Puuluup and the University of Tartu Academic Women's Choir. Additionally, the third season of the Solaride solar car, a project initiated by university students, will be showcased.